Ok, if you remember a while back I posted my "flamingo" fabric painting. It is very free and fun, a long way from my detailed pet portraits that I have been doing. I find that I often need a break between portraits. In as much as I enjoy them, they can be draining. I have always loved sewing and especially hand embroidery work. I have decided to develop a line of purses. These will be known as "goodebags". Now, aren't I clever! The handbag on your right is my first adventure into the land of "goodebags"! If you are interested in purchasing my very first "goodebag", check out my new Etsy Site. I spent almost the whole day setting up the shop and listing my two items. I plan to offer not only "goodebags" on Etsy, but also my original paintings. It will take a while to build inventory, but "goode" things come to those who wait. I know, I know----I'll stop now. Seriously, I encourage any and all to check out Etsy. It is a community of some very talented artist and craft persons. If you are looking for something special, I'm sure you can find it there. Many of the items are "one-of-a-kind" and there is a large range of prices. Isn't it time we stop giving our hard earn dollars to the big corporations and especially to China.
Finally done with my Boston Terrier. I was all set to post this on my web site and offer it for sale, but something happened to change my mind. A few days ago the owner of the Boston Terrier had an opportunity to see the portrait. He just couldn't say enough about how wonderful it was and even wiped a tear away from his eye. He said he wished his wife could see it. I told him, anytime she wanted to see it just let me know. It was then he informed me that his wife was in the hospital and not doing well. I was shocked, had no idea she had fallen ill. To make a long story short, I finished the portrait and gave it to him the next day. He wanted to pay for it, but I said no. I told him to take it to his wife and if it made her smile, that was payment enough for me. Later that same day, there was a knock at my door. It was my neighbor, standing there with a half dozen beautiful red roses for me!! He told me his wife absolutely loved the portrait and was very happy. He thanked me again. I was truly touched my the gift of the roses. I also feel such a warm, glow inside my heart. I did a good thing. No matter how much someone else would have paid for that portrait......they would have neither loved nor appreciated it the way those two do. That's what it is all about, isn't it?
And........here we are again. I'm very happy with the face, dare I say "done". Everything from the collar down is still in progress. I decided I wanted to re-do the portion of the collar between the clasp and the D-ring. Just felt I could do it better. Have not spent to much time on the body---just basic stuff. I have spent most of my time on the hand. A challenge for me. I did a few portraits back in my "oils" days, but never acrylics. I think the hand is coming along---what do you think? Comments are always welcome here. My goal is to build a little confidence with the "hand" and try my "hand" (lol) at an actual "human" portrait in acrylics.
Well, those darn ears are giving me fits!!! Now, I see that the one on the right needs rounding at the top. I spent a good deal of time working on the neck area and collar. The collar still needs some work, not quite happy with the way it looks at present. I have the first couple of layers on the hand, basic shape is looking good. I also put in a background layer today. I decided on a soft gray, but I think I'll try deepening some areas with a darker value wash. I really enjoy being able to take my time with my painting these days. I think that is so important. Everyone needs to take that time to step back, take a break, and see their painting with "fresh" eyes. I am also finding that it is very beneficial to take photos of your work. Not only, does it give you a record of your progress; but it also helps you spot problem areas (like those darn ears) that might otherwise be missed. Sometimes you can get so involved in the details, that you don't see the "whole". That's where the photo comes in----it helps you to see the whole.
Finally, back to work on the Boston. Spent most of the day refining areas and I did manage to block in the body. I still have bunches to do on the face, but I'm pretty happy with the direction I'm going. I do have to say that I have struggled with this little guy. Sometimes it takes me awhile to really "see" the painting. I have to get past the point of painting the "dog" and on to painting the "shapes"----what I actually see, not what I "think" I see in my mind's eye. Once I get in the "zone" things start to come together. I'm able to move quicker and the dog finally starts coming to life for me. At this point, most of the "shapes" on the head are established. Now, it is just a matter of building layers, adjusting values, and adding texture. I think I'm really gonna like that red collar! I'm also looking forward to painting that "hand".
